SINGAPORE, Aug 7 — Malaysia’s regulatory approach to restricting social media access for users under 16 underscores the need for platforms to practice higher levels of accountability in ensuring a safe online environment, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said.
MCMC deputy director (development) Eneng Faridah Iskandar emphasised that the restriction ensures every social media platform is taking proactive steps to protect vulnerable groups, especially underage children navigating online content.
She said platform providers, as the developers and providers of social media products, should determine the safety features within the online environment.
“Anyone who provides a product for consumption in the open market has to ensure that the product is safe and secure for use.
“People who provide online content have to be aware in terms of who is accessing their platforms,” she said on the CNA+ Talking Point programme entitled ‘Social Media Ban: Will it Work?’ on Thursday night.
According to Eneng, MCMC has seen evidence of children being harmed and often abused through their interactions on social media platforms, stressing that the issue is not unique to Malaysia but a global concern.
Nevertheless, she said the regulator is not looking to punish social media platforms; instead, it seeks to work together with them to address those committing online crimes by taking advantage of social media platforms.
“We are not portraying platforms to be the enemy. We want to work with them and hold them to a higher level of accountability and responsibility,” she added.
On June 1, Malaysia began enforcing its under-16 social media safeguards, requiring social media platforms to implement measures aimed at strengthening online safety and protecting young users.
The rule requires social media platforms with at least eight million users, such as Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok and YouTube, to implement age verification systems and prevent underage users from opening accounts. — Bernama
